NASA And Boeing: Starliner Crew Safe And Secure, No Rush to Return

"We're not in any rush to come home."

 

NASA and Boeing have reassured the public that the two astronauts currently on board the International Space Station (ISS) are not stranded despite recent reports suggesting otherwise. The astronauts, who arrived on the Boeing Starliner capsule, will remain on the ISS for a few more weeks to allow further testing of the spacecraft. This decision emphasizes the commitment to safety and thorough evaluation over hasty action.

Luxury of Time for In-Depth Testing

During a press conference, NASA's commercial crew program manager Steve Stich emphasized that there is no rush for the astronauts to return to Earth. "The station is a nice, safe place to stop and take our time to work through the vehicle and make sure we’re ready to come home," he said. This approach allows both NASA and Boeing to conduct comprehensive tests on the Starliner capsule, ensuring all systems function correctly before the spacecraft re-enters Earth's atmosphere.

Engineers from Boeing and NASA will be conducting a series of remote tests on the spacecraft’s thrusters from the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico. The thrusters, crucial for maneuvering the spacecraft in orbit, had experienced malfunctions during docking. However, engineers successfully brought four out of five malfunctioning thrusters back online, allowing the docking to proceed safely.

Addressing Minor Helium Leaks

Since its launch on June 5, Starliner has experienced several small helium leaks. NASA and Boeing officials have clarified that these leaks pose no threat to the spacecraft's return. The leaks are in a section of the spacecraft that is sealed off while docked to the ISS, and the spacecraft carries significantly more helium than needed for the undocking and deorbiting processes.

Extended Stay on ISS

Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, both experienced NASA spaceflight veterans, have been aboard the ISS for nearly three weeks, far exceeding the initially planned mission duration of one week. Stich mentioned that the thruster testing and data review process would determine the new landing timeline. Despite this extended stay, the Starliner capsule remains fully capable of supporting the astronauts, thanks to the ISS recharging its crew module batteries.

Starliner was initially designed for missions lasting up to 210 days. However, this first crewed demonstration mission was capped at 45 days due to battery limitations. With the ISS providing battery support, NASA is considering extending the mission duration, as the risk remains consistent over the extended period.

Safety Measures and Emergency Protocols

Stich and Mark Nappi, Boeing’s program manager for the commercial crew program, assured that the Starliner capsule is safe for emergency return if necessary. This was highlighted during a recent incident where the ISS crew had to take shelter in their respective spacecraft due to the breakup of a defunct Russian satellite. Although no debris came close to the ISS, the astronauts were prepared to use their spacecraft for emergency departure and return to Earth if needed.

NASA and Boeing's approach highlights their commitment to astronaut safety and thorough testing of the Starliner spacecraft. By taking the time to address and resolve any issues, they ensure the spacecraft’s reliability for future missions. This careful and measured approach underscores the importance of safety and precision in space exploration.

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Source: Tech Crunch

Photo Credit: AI

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